Jatiya Party Rally Disrupted by Police Action in Dhaka

Police disrupted a Jatiya Party rally on Saturday by firing teargas shells and sound grenades in front of the party’s central office in Kakrail, Dhaka.

According to party leaders and eyewitnesses, the police action began around 3:45 PM while the rally was in progress.

Police officials stated that although the Jatiya Party had submitted an application to hold the rally, it was not officially accepted. Authorities said they verbally advised the party to hold the event without blocking the road. However, despite repeated warnings, the party went ahead and set up chairs and a stage on the street. As their instructions were ignored, police moved to disperse the gathering.

Following the incident, Jatiya Party Secretary General Shamim Haider Patwary condemned the police action at a press briefing, calling it "completely unwarranted."

“It was a peaceful and brief gathering. The rally was unjustly foiled based on false information. Police acted irresponsibly by spraying water and firing teargas shells,” he said. “Many could have been trampled to death,” he added, claiming several party activists were injured during the police operation.

Shamim acknowledged that the party did not receive formal permission for the rally but argued that other political parties often hold programmes in front of their central offices without official approval.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Ramna Division Deputy Commissioner Masud Alam confirmed that the Jatiya Party’s application was not accepted. “It is a public road. They cannot occupy it. We repeatedly asked them not to block the road,” he said.

“Ramna police station's officer-in-charge requested them to vacate the area, but they refused. That is why we had to take necessary steps to disperse them,” he added. He confirmed the use of teargas shells and said the situation was brought under control once party activists left the area.

Party Chairman GM Quader, Secretary General Shamim Haider Patwary, and other senior leaders were present at the rally, which began with speeches from a makeshift stage set up on a truck in front of the party office.

The Jatiya Party had organised the rally to demand the withdrawal of cases filed against GM Quader and other leaders, the release of detained party activists, and the holding of a free, fair, and participatory national election.

A heavy police presence was reported in the area from noon as groups of party activists arrived in processions to join the rally.